Council races could shift city’s direction

Chris Moise, a Black, gay and unabashedly progressive school trustee, does not see much of himself in Toronto’s mostly pale, very straight and largely conservative city council.

Moise, 46, is hoping to help change that by getting elected to council in the new Ward 25, which includes the Gay Village. The Oct. 22 civic election officially starts Tuesday with Mayor John Tory facing, for now, no high-profile challenger to his re-election bid.

Moise is not alone in hoping for a council shakeup that could, in a system where the mayor has only one vote plus levers of persuasion, shift the city’s direction even with Tory at the helm.

“The city is supposed to represent people directly and help them in their dayto-day lives and I don’t think we’ve done that very well,” says the former St. Michael’s Hospital addictions and mental health counsellor. “If we have enough progressive councillors at city hall, that will change.”

There are similar pushes every election but council is ripe this time, observers say, for real churn. Even a single vote can turn huge decisions such as the fate of the Gardiner Expressway.

When is the municipal election?

Election day is Oct. 22. The nomination period, when candidates can submit their forms to run, begins May 1.

Who can vote?

Any Toronto resident who is a Canadian citizen and at least 18 years old. Anyone who owns or leases property within the city, or whose spouse owns or rents property, can also vote even if they don’t live within the city’s borders. You can only vote in the ward where you live or where your business is located. If you live in the city and own a business here, you must vote in the ward where you live.

What do I get to vote for?

Everyone eligible can vote for both a council candidate to represent the ward you’re voting in and a mayor, who represents the city at large. If you’re a resident, you can also vote for a school board trustee for your area.

How can I make sure I’m on the voter’s list?

You can check if you’re signed up and verify your address at voterlookup.ca.

Why should I vote?

No one can make you vote, but it’s important to know city council is responsible for everything from garbage pickup to building new, multi-billiondollar transit projects.

Where will I vote?

This election, there are new ward boundaries that all voters should be aware of. Council approved increasing the total number of wards to 47 from 44. Starting in May, voters can check on thestar.com and the city’s elections website at toronto.ca/elections to find out which ward they live in. Polling locations, where you cast your ballot on election day, will be available closer to the election.